Paul Pietsch (1911–2012)

German racer Paul Pietsch, the last surviving driver of the prewar Silver Arrows era and the oldest living Grand Prix racer, has died at the age of 100. His family confirmed his May 31 passing, just three weeks short of his 101st birthday. The former Auto Union works driver was a unique living link to the days of Tazio Nuvolari and Bernd Rosemeyer.

Pietsch spent his early career as a privateer. He started with a Bugatti in 1932, before getting his hands on an Alfa Romeo. He showed enough promise to interest both Mercedes and Auto Union, signing for the latter after a test at the end of 1934.